After you have finished the character mapping process, linking your character model to a MotionBuilder Character asset, you can characterize the model to activate it in MotionBuilder and make it ready for animation.

To characterize a character model:

1. Complete the character mapping process, manually or automatically. See Character mapping.
2. In the Character Definition pane of the Character Settings, activate the Characterize option.
   

   Character Definition pane A. Characterize option

3. A dialog box appears to remind you that your model must be in a stance facing the positive Z-axis. Choose between two types of postures for your character (Biped or Quadruped).

   Once it is characterized, your character is ready to be attached to a motion source.

   NoteYou can also use the Characterization Tool to characterize your character model. See Characterize a skeleton for more information.

If you want to characterize a 3ds Max Biped, see Characterizing a 3ds Max biped.